Cook-Off
Carpenter’s Cook-Off 2026!
When:
October 25, 2026
12 noon to 3 pm
Where:
The Birchmere
3701 Mt Vernon Ave
Alexandria, VA 22305
What:
- Restaurant, Caterer, Bakery Tastings
- Live Music
- Live and Silent Auction
- Raffles
- Family Fun
We’re cooking up more details—check back soon to see what’s new!
Please join us on Sunday, October 25th, 2026, from 12 noon to 3 pm at The Birchmere and indulge in an afternoon of food and fun while supporting Carpenter’s Shelter! At the Carpenter’s Cook-Off 2026, attendees will enjoy tastings from 20 area restaurants, caterers, and bakeries. There will be a chance to bid on hot ticket items during live and silent auctions.
Restaurants, Caterers and Bakeries:
If you own or manage a restaurant, catering business or bakery and you would like to participate in the Carpenter’s Cook-Off, download the participation form.
Fill out both sides of the form and email it as soon as possible to Michiko Yoon, Communications Specialist at MYoon@CarpentersShelter.org.
Carpenter’s Cook-Off 2026 Participants
Check back for updates!
Meet our 2026 Celebrity Judges
Jasmine Styles
Jasmine Styles joined WJLA 7 News in March 2025 as the alert desk anchor for the evening shows.
The Orlando, Florida native graduated from The Florida State University in 2012 with a B.A. in Communications and a minor in Journalism through a co-op program with Florida A&M University.
She landed her first job right after graduation in Columbia, South Carolina. She’s also worked in Southeast Texas, Tampa, Florida, and Cincinnati, Ohio. Jasmine is a devoted member of the National Association of Black Journalists, recently serving on the national board as treasurer, and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Juan Ramirez
Juan Ramirez was recently honored to receive the RAMMY Manager of the Year Award as the General Manager of Bastille Brasserie & Bar, an award-winning French restaurant in Old Town Alexandria helmed by Chefs Christophe & Michelle Poteaux.
Bastille has garnered eight RAMMY nominations, Washingtonian Top 100 listing, Northern Virginia Magazine’s Top 50 Restaurant ranking, Voted Best French and Fine Dining by the readers of The Zebra Press for seven years straight and is an OpenTable Diners’ Choice Winner.
Juan’s career in restaurants has given him a unique perspective on food—from the guest experience and service side to working closely with chefs, bartenders, and hospitality teams. Juan has developed a particular passion for food, wine, cocktails, and the creativity that goes into making a great dining experience. Juan Ramirez has a Business Management degree from Georgia State University with a minor in Hospitality.
Kamay Lafalaise
Kamay Lafalaise is a south Florida native and daughter of Haitian immigrants. She moved to DC in 2015 and has spent much of her time working as a privacy and data security attorney in the public sector. Kamay also teaches second-year law students academic writing at George Washington University Law School, where she enjoys mentoring the next generation of young attorneys.
Outside of her demanding legal career, Kamay loves to cook. In 2024, her cooking skills led her to becoming a top finalist on the hit TV show, MasterChef. In the finale of MasterChef, Kamay proudly showcased her Haitian heritage, blending modern French techniques with her Caribbean roots to impress the pickiest judge on the planet, Gordon Ramsay.
Carpenter’s Cook-Off 2026 would not be possible without the generous support of our caring community.
Sponsorship of Carpenter’s Cook-Off 2026 is essential to reaching our annual fundraising goal for this event. We are so grateful for these outstanding community partnerships, which enable us to continue working towards our mission of ending homelessness in Northern Virginia.
Is your company interested in sponsoring? Contact Monise W. Quidley, at MQuidley@CarpentersShelter.org.
Thank you to our 2026 Cook-Off Sponsors!
Top Chef Sponsor
Sous Chef Sponsor
Sommelier Sponsors
Maitre D’ Sponsors
Foodie Sponsors
Host Committee is a passionate circle of individuals who support the Cook-Off and the shelter by providing financial support and inviting friends to join in. Host Committee members receive tickets to the Cook-Off as well as pre-and-post event recognition. Download the Host Committee Form.
Thank you to our 2026 Host Committee Members!
Feast Members:
- Michael Bogdanow
- Nancy DiPaolo
- Kris Keydel and Janet Garber
- Neil and Kelly Gillespie
- Mary Stuart Hall
- Katherine McCarron and Ben Neaderland
Nosh Members:
- Ernie Pickell and Bridget Donohue
- Jim and Kary Ewalt
- Meg Milroy
Nibble Members:
- Ann and Chris McMurray
What are the levels and benefits of Host Committee? Read below to learn more!
Feast Membership – $1,000
- 10 tickets to Cook-Off
- Name on Cook-Off webpage
- Name in Cook-Off program
- Name on Host Committee signage at event venue
Nosh Membership - $500
- 6 tickets to Cook-Off
- Name on Cook-Off webpage
- Name in Cook-Off program
- Name on Host Committee signage at event venue
Nibble Membership - $350
- 4 tickets to Cook-Off
- Name on Cook-Off webpage
- Name in Cook-Off program
- Name on Host Committee signage at event venue
| Ticket Type | Early Bird (August 10- September 4) | Regular (September 5 – October 23) | At the Door (October 25) |
| Adult (ages 13+) | $ 50 | $ 75 | $ 100 |
| Child (ages 12 and under) | $ 20 | $ 25 | $ 30 |
Looking for a fun, easy way to give to Carpenter’s Shelter?
Interested in donating a one-of-a-kind auction item? Email Meghan Cole, Development Manager, at
MCole@CarpentersShelter.org.